TARARIUM 300 GPH Internal Aquarium Filter

The TARARIUM JP-024F is a submersible internal filter rated at 300 GPH. It combines a pump, a black sponge cartridge and an air intake in one unit that sticks to the glass with suction cups. TARARIUM pitches it as a four-in-one: filter, water pump, wave maker and air supply.

How it works

The pump pulls water through the sponge, which traps waste and leftover food and gives bacteria a place to grow. Clean water is pushed back out with enough force to move the surface. Fit the included air tube and the outflow draws in air, adding bubbles for oxygen.

Where it fits best

TARARIUM rates it for 55 to 150 gallon tanks. At the top of that range, a single sponge is a small amount of media for that much water. It works best as a second filter, a circulation boost or an aeration point alongside a canister or HOB, rather than the only filter on a big stocked tank. It also suits ponds and tubs that just need movement and some mechanical cleanup.

Noise and mounting

TARARIUM quotes under 40 dB, with silicone suction cups that damp vibration against the glass. The body is 2.5 x 2 x 13 inches, so it fits in a back corner and hides behind plants or rock.

Maintenance

• Rinse the sponge in old tank water once a week.
• Replace it when it starts to break apart.
• Check the impeller for debris when flow drops.

Alternatives

If you want a main filter for a large tank, a canister such as the Fluval 307 holds far more media. If you only need flow, a hygger wavemaker is a dedicated option.